Missing Salinas woman believed to be dead

A 35-year-old woman originally thought to be missing is now believed to have been killed, Salinas police said.

Leticia Morales-Soto was last seen on Thanksgiving when she received a call from a man named Rafa asking for a ride, police said. Police are now seeking Rafael Carballo, 37, in connection with her slaying.

Carballo had come to the Salinas Police Department the day after Morales-Soto's disappearance to report an assault he said occurred at Natividad Creek Park on Thanksgiving.

Police now believe the two events are connected.

Carballo was not at his home when police went to his residence and has not been seen since.

Morales-Soto's car was found abandoned by her husband at the dead end of Garner Avenue, police said.

Salinas police and the county Sheriff Department's search and rescue team have conducted two searches around Natividad Creek Park.